The three mates flew to Rio on June 5 after buying tickets for all England’s group matches.

They got a taxi to the hotel after hearing the players were based there.

Last night Birmingham City fan Andy, from Worcester, said: “There were armed police everywhere so we sun-bathed on the beach for three hours. Then we thought: ‘F*** it, we are going in.’

“There were 20 armed police and I told them I needed the toilet. They fell for the trick and suddenly we were in.

“Roy Hodgson was there so we started off getting a photo with him.

“Within the next three or four hours we got pictures with most of the squad.

“We ended up having six beers and a club sandwich.”

Student Alex said: “It was all a bit of fun but makes you think about how seriously the authorities are taking security when three lads on a jolly from England can meet the players by blagging the guards.”

An FA spokesman declined to comment last night.

But a team source said: “At the end of the day the hotel is open to members of the public as well as the team.”